Multi-Tool

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a multi-tool having a frame with a first leg opposite a second leg. The frame also includes a first handle at a proximal end of the frame, a support at a distal end of the frame, and a second handle positioned between the proximal and distal ends of the frame. The first handle, second handle, and the support are positioned between the first and second legs. A squeegee member is positioned on the first leg, a first brush is positioned on the second leg, and a second brush is positioned on the support. A scraper extends from the support at the distal end of the frame proximate the second brush.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a multi-tool, and, more particularly, to a tool for cleaning outdoor furniture and having multiple cleaning structures for different purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Outdoor furniture has become a common feature in homes, restaurants, and other locations. However, outdoor furniture is subject to far more dirt and grime than indoor furniture. Pollen, dust, bugs, animals, and other substances can cover outdoor furniture, quickly rendering it unsuitable for use without proper cleaning.

Few tools are designed specifically for outdoor furniture. Many people use cleaning products intended for indoor use. However, indoor cleaning tools can quickly become ineffective when faced with the task of cleaning extremely dirty outdoor furniture. Materials used to construct outdoor furniture can also be very different from that used to build indoor furniture. Different tools may be more effective on outdoor furniture compared to cleaning tools used on indoor furniture.

Additionally, even those tools that are designed for use outside typically have a single general purpose. Users must often use multiple tools in order to properly clean outdoor furniture.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes a multi-tool having a frame with a first leg opposite a second leg. The frame also includes a first handle at a proximal end of the frame, a support at a distal end of the frame, and a second handle positioned between the proximal and distal ends of the frame. The first handle, second handle, and the support are positioned between the first and second legs. A squeegee member is positioned on the first leg, a first brush is positioned on the second leg, and a second brush is positioned on the support. A scraper extends from the support at the distal end of the frame proximate the second brush.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective front elevation view of a multi-tool according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective rear elevation view of a multi-tool of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of the multi-tool of FIGS. 1; and

FIG. 4 is a right side elevation view of the multi-tool of FIG. 1.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, a specific embodiment thereof is shown by way of example in the drawing and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description presented herein are not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiment disclosed, but to the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings particularly by reference numbers wherein like numerals refer to like parts, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrates a perspective view of a multi-tool 1. As shown, multi-tool 1 may include a frame 110 which forms the general structure of the multi-tool 1. On one side of the frame 110 is a squeegee portion 120, and on the opposing side of the frame 110 is a first brush 130. A second brush 140 may extend from a distal end of the frame 110, while a scraper 150 may extend from the back of the frame 110. Each of these structures will now be described in additional detail.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate rear and side elevation views of the multi-tool 1 of FIG. 1. As can be seen, frame 110 includes a proximal end 202, and a distal end 204 opposite the proximal end. In the orientation shown in FIG. 3, the proximal end 202 is located at the top, and the distal end 204 is located at the bottom of the multi-tool 1. Of course, relative orientation is arbitrary, and “top,”“bottom,” “left,” and “right” are used herein merely for he sake of simplicity.

At proximal end 202 of frame 110 is a first handle 206 that can be grasped by a user during use. A second handle 208 is also provided between the proximal and distal ends 202, 204. At the distal end 204 of frame 110 is a support 210 that, along with first and second handles 206, 208 connect opposing legs 212, 214 of frame 110. Between the first handle 206 and the second handle 208, and between the left and right legs 214, 212, is preferably a first through-hole 216. First through-hole 216 may be generally circular in shape, although other shapes are envisioned as would be understood by a person of skill in the art. A second through-hole 218 is preferably positioned between the second handle 208 and the support 210, and between the left and right legs 214, 212. The second through-hole 218 may be generally triangular in shape, although other shapes are envisioned as would be understood by a person of skill in the art. The frame 110 may be made of a no break polypropylene.

In an example embodiment, frame 110 may be comprised of an inner and outer structure. As shown in FIG. 1, second handle 208 may be formed by an inner structure that is sandwiched between layers of an outer structure. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 1, the first handle 206 may be longer than second handle 208. Second handle 208 may be longer than support 210. Thus, the opposing legs 212, 214 may therefore angle inwardly from the proximal end to the distal end. Other structures are also envisioned.

Additionally, the frame 110 may he structured such that the first handle 206 is outwardly curved toward the proximal end 206 of the frame 110. As shown in FIG. 4, the outwardly curved first handle curves back inwardly proximate the legs 212, 214, creating a recess 219 proximate each leg 212, 214. Recess 219 may be more ergonomic and comfortable for a user.

in an example embodiment, the squeegee portion 120 may extend from right leg 212. Squeegee portion 120 may include a squeegee blade 220. Squeegee blade 220 may be overmolded onto frame 110, although other mechanisms for connecting blade 220 to right leg 212 are envisioned as would be understood by a person of skill in the art. Squeegee blade 220 may be made of a thermoplastic rubber (“TPR”), such as a TPR having a hardness of approximately 50-65 on the Asker Durometer Type A scale. As above, other materials and hardnesses are envisioned, as would he understood by a person of skill in the art. The squeegee portion 120 may be used to clear a liquid from a surface.

In an example embodiment, the first brush 130 may extend from left leg 214. The first brush 130 may include one or more tufts 222. In an example embodiment, first brush 130 may include one or more rows of thirty seven tufts 222. Each tuft 222 may be composed of one or more threads of polybutylene terephthalate (“PBT”) having a weight of forty grams and a diameter of 0.009″ plus or minus 0.002″. Different numbers of tufts 222 made of different materials and having different weights and diameters are also envisioned. Tufts 222 preferably extend from holes extending into left leg 214. First brush 130 may be used to brush off large areas of outdoor furniture, and may be used on harder surfaces.

In an example embodiment, the second brush 140 may extend from support 210. The second brush 140 may include one or more tufts 224. In an example embodiment, second brush 140 may include one or more rows of ten seven tufts 224. Each tuft 224 may be composed of one or more threads of polybutylene terephthalate (“PBT”) having a weight of twenty grams and a diameter of 0.012″ plus or minus 0.002″. Different numbers of tufts 224 made of different materials and having different weights and diameters are also envisioned. Tufts 224 preferably extend from holes extending into support 210. Second brush 140 may be used to brush off smaller areas of outdoor furniture, or to reach into narrower areas where first brush 130 may not fit. Second brush 140 may also be used on softer surfaces.

As best shown in FIG. 4, the scraper 150 may be positioned toward the distal end 204 of the frame 110, proximate the second brush 140. The scraper 150 may include a curved extension 226 that forms an edge 228. The scraper 150 can be made of the same material as the handle, being an integrated or attachable portion. The scraper may be used to clear stuck-on substances such as ice or the like from a surface.

Thus, there has been shown and described several embodiments of a hovel multi-tool. As is evident from the foregoing description, certain aspects of the present invention are not limited by the particular details of the examples illustrated herein, and it is therefore contemplated that other modifications and applications, or equivalents thereof, will occur to those skilled in the art. The terms “having” and “including” and similar terms as used in the foregoing specification are used in the sense of “optional” or “may include” and not as “required”. Many changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the present invention will, however, become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and the accompanying drawings. All such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention which is limited only by the claims which follow. 

1. A tool comprising; a frame; a squeegee member; a first brush; a second brush; and a scraper.
 2. The tool of claim 1 wherein the frame includes: a first leg opposite a second leg; a first handle at a proximal end of the frame, a support at a distal end of the frame, and a second handle positioned between the proximal and distal ends of the frame; a first through-hole between said first and second handles, and a second through-hole between the second handle and the support; wherein said first handle, second handle, and the support are positioned between the first and second legs.
 3. The tool of claim 2 wherein the squeegee member is positioned on the first leg.
 4. The tool of claim 2 wherein the first brush is positioned on the second leg.
 5. The tool of claim 2 wherein the second brush is positioned on the support.
 6. The tool of claim 5 wherein the scraper extends from the support at the distal end of the frame proximate the second brush.
 7. The tool of claim 1 wherein the squeegee member includes a blade composed of TPR.
 8. The tool of claim 1 wherein the first brush includes a plurality of tufts extending from the second leg.
 9. The tool of claim 8 wherein each tuft is comprised of a plurality of PBT threads having a weight of approximately 40 G.
 10. The tool of claim 8 wherein the first brush includes a single row of thirty seven tufts.
 11. The tool of claim 1 wherein the second brush includes a plurality of tufts extending from the support.
 12. The tool of claim 11 wherein each tuft is comprised of a plurality of PBT threads having a weight of approximately 20 G.
 13. The tool of claim 11 wherein the second brush includes a single row of ten tufts.
 14. The tool of claim 2 wherein the first handle is longer than the second handle, and the second handle is longer than the support, such that the first and second legs angle inwardly toward one another as the first and second legs extend from the first handle to the support. 